- December Sees Decline in Used Car Sales and Values, Reports AADA
The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) has released its December 2025 Automotive Insight Report (AIR), revealing a notable downturn in the used car market. After a period of oversupply, the market experienced a 3.8% reduction in listings, bringing the total to 322,532 vehicles.
- RBA Maintains Cash Rate at 3.60%, Hints at Future Increases
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the cash rate steady at 3.60% during its final policy meeting of 2025. This decision comes amid rising inflation, which reached 3.8% in October, surpassing the RBA's target range of 2-3%.
- ASIC's Review Highlights Concerns in Car Finance Practices
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has conducted a comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering significant issues that raise concerns about responsible lending practices. The findings indicate that some consumers are being subjected to exorbitant fees and are defaulting on their loans shortly after approval.
- Bank Australia Shifts Focus to Electric Vehicle Financing
In a bold move towards environmental sustainability, Bank Australia has ceased offering loans for new petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles as of February 2025. This policy change aligns with the bank's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2035.
- ASIC's Review Highlights Concerns in Car Finance Practices
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently conducted a comprehensive review of the nation's motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering significant issues that raise concerns about responsible lending practices.
- Cooling Trends Emerge in Australia's Used Car Market
The Australian used car market, which experienced significant growth throughout most of 2024, has shown signs of deceleration in the final months of the year. This trend suggests a more cautious outlook for 2025, influenced by various economic factors and shifting consumer behaviors.
- ASIC Calls for Strengthened Consumer Protections in Car Finance
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has intensified its scrutiny of the motor vehicle finance sector, urging lenders to bolster consumer protections and enhance oversight mechanisms.
- ASIC's Review Highlights Urgent Need for Reform in Car Finance Sector
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently conducted a comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering significant issues that adversely affect consumers. This investigation was initiated in response to a surge in complaints regarding high costs associated with car financing.
- CBA's AI Assistant Revolutionises Car Buying Experience
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has unveiled an innovative AI assistant designed to transform the car buying process for Australian consumers. This cutting-edge tool aims to provide detailed information on vehicle costs and features, enhancing transparency and aiding buyers in making informed decisions.
- ASIC Targets Car Finance Practices in Regional and First Nations Communities
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced a comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, with a particular focus on practices affecting consumers in regional and remote areas, including First Nations communities. This initiative seeks to enhance consumer protections and ensure fair lending practices across all demographics.
- March 2025: Australian New Car Sales Experience Slight Decline
In March 2025, Australia's automotive market recorded a slight downturn, with new car sales totaling 108,606 units—a 0.9% decrease compared to the same month in the previous year. This marginal decline reflects the ongoing economic pressures affecting consumer spending habits.
- Green Loans Drive Down Personal Loan Averages in Australia
In recent developments within Australia's financial sector, the increasing availability of green loans has begun to influence the average rates of personal loans.
- RBA Rate Cuts Provide Mortgage Relief, Personal Loan Rates Unchanged
In 2025, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) implemented a series of rate cuts, reducing the cash rate from 4.35% to 3.60%. This move was aimed at alleviating financial pressures on borrowers, particularly mortgage holders.
- Australia's Electric Vehicle Financing Hits $6 Billion Milestone in 2024
In 2024, Australia witnessed a remarkable surge in electric and hybrid vehicle financing, with total loans reaching $6.17 billion—a 50% increase from the previous year. This substantial growth underscores a nationwide shift towards more sustainable transportation options.
- Westpac Resolves Auto Finance Class Action with $81 Million Settlement
Australia's Westpac Banking Corporation has reached a settlement of A$130 million (approximately $81.84 million) to resolve a class action lawsuit concerning its auto finance practices.
- ASIC's Comprehensive Review Targets Motor Vehicle Finance Practices
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced an in-depth review of the motor vehicle finance sector, aiming to bolster consumer protections, particularly for borrowers in regional and remote areas, including First Nations communities. This initiative underscores ASIC's commitment to ensuring fair and responsible lending practices across Australia.
- Bank Australia Shifts Focus to Electric Vehicle Financing
In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, Bank Australia has ceased offering loans for new petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles as of February 2025. This policy change aligns with the bank's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2035.
- Australian Used Car Market Faces Cooling Trends Post-2024 Surge
The Australian used car market, which experienced robust growth throughout most of 2024, has shown signs of slowing down in the final months of the year. This trend suggests a more cautious outlook for 2025, influenced by various economic factors and affordability concerns.
- Westpac Divests Auto Finance Loans to Resimac Group
In a strategic move to concentrate on its core banking operations, Westpac Banking Corp has announced the sale of its auto finance loan book to non-bank lender Resimac Group. The transaction is valued between A$1.4 billion and A$1.
- ANZ Bank Penalised A$240 Million for Regulatory Misconduct
In a significant development within Australia's banking sector, ANZ Bank has agreed to pay a record-breaking A$240 million fine for a series of regulatory breaches. This penalty, imposed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), underscores the importance of compliance and transparency in financial institutions.
- ASIC Commences In-Depth Review of Motor Vehicle Finance Practices
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has embarked on a thorough review of the motor vehicle finance sector, aiming to bolster consumer protections and ensure industry-wide compliance with responsible lending obligations.
- ASIC Initiates Comprehensive Review of Motor Vehicle Finance Practices
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced a thorough review of the motor vehicle finance sector, aiming to bolster consumer protections and ensure industry-wide compliance. This initiative is particularly focused on the experiences of borrowers in regional and remote areas, including First Nations communities.
- Macquarie Transfers $1.5 Billion Car Loan Portfolio to Allied Credit
In a significant development within the Australian financial sector, Macquarie Group's Banking and Financial Services division has agreed to sell a substantial portion of its car loan portfolio, valued at $1.5 billion, to Allied Credit.
- Bank Australia Ends Financing for New Petrol, Diesel, and Hybrid Vehicles
In a bold move towards environmental sustainability, Bank Australia has ceased offering loans for new petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles as of February 2025. This policy change is part of the bank's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2035.
- RBA Maintains Cash Rate at 3.60% Amid Inflationary Pressures
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the cash rate steady at 3.60% during its latest policy meeting on September 30, 2025. This decision comes despite recent signs of accelerating inflation and a persistently tight labor market.
- ANZ Bank Settles Class Actions Totaling $68 Million Over Car Loan and Superannuation Practices
In a significant development, ANZ Bank has agreed to pay A$99 million (approximately $68 million USD) to settle two class actions dating back to 2020. These settlements address allegations concerning the bank's car loan practices and superannuation product fees.
- Increase in Car Loan Delinquencies in Australia Sparks Economic Concerns
Recent reports indicate a notable rise in car loan delinquencies across Australia, with an increasing number of vehicles being repossessed and sold at auctions. This trend is attributed to factors such as inflation, high interest rates, and the diminishing ability of car owners to refinance their loans.